Tag: Cambodia

My new digs

by Tracy, posted in Cambodia

I have started my volunteer assignment at this amazing organization! Hopefully two months, assuming they need me that long.

Sahmakum Teang Tnaut, STT is an organization dedicated to helping the poor of PP with land security, helping them to help themselves prevent unfair eviction, mapping communities at risk and advocating for this demographic.  It is not without risk, as is any advocacy that goes against the interests of making money.  The staff is dedicated, friendly and has been very accepting.

Nuances that are different from home – leaving my shoes outside, being very aware of power use – it is very expensive.  I need to remember to turn of the air conditioning when I leave the office.

I headed out for lunch a short while ago and one of the ladies on staff stopped and offered me a moto ride.  My first of the trip.  She is a very competent driver and I made it back safe and sound with the most amazing bbq pork and rice.  I hope the smell doesn’t bother my office mates when they return. The lunch room is not air conditioned but I think I will sit there next time.

The blessings of this adventure continue!

May 3 2017

Choeung Ek Genocide Center – Monument to the Killing Fields

by Tracy, posted in Cambodia

Today, April 30, I visited the Choeung Ek Genocide Center, a place all who visit PP should try to see. I didn’t take pictures of the bones or the killing tree as they are easily found online. Instead I am sharing these photos of beautiful flowers that grow there in stark contrast to the brutality of the late 70s.

I think it shows great courage and integrity for a nation to own this horrific past with to goal of respecting those who perished – and those who survived – and remembering is the best way to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

Somehow I only shed tears at the killing tree, while hearing how so many infants were murdered, and at one of the displays of human bones. A recently uncovered jawbone with all the front teeth missing was sitting on top of the box. Teeth probably knocked out by Khmer Rouge soldiers sometime before being murdered. I could not forget that this happened during my happy Canadian childhood.

This center doesn’t soften what happened. And it should not.